Mrs. Pennsylvania International®

Danielle Bonura - Top 16

1.Tell us a funny story about a date night out with your husband.
Of all the nuggets of advice I have collected, “Be where your feet are” is a perfect reminder to be fully present. It never serves anyone well to get caught up in comparisons or waste a good opportunity dwelling on something else, wondering what could have been. If we spend too much energy rushing to the next big thing, we are missing out on the moments exactly where we are meant to be.

2.What are the (2) most important things in your kitchen and why?
Anything that I get to experience again through the curious eyes and wonder-filled expressions of Will, is the highlight of many days. He reminds me there is extraordinary in the ordinary. Children can change our views on a variety of topics, typically for the better and it excites me to know that my son is teaching me as many new things about life as I am teaching him.

3.What do people assume about you that isn’t true?
As a postpartum depression and anxiety survivor turned postpartum doula, I see first-hand the value of having a postpartum plan before giving birth. I would teach couples how to prepare their lives mentally, physically, and spiritually before baby arrives, to hopefully lower their risk of experiencing a mental health issue. Fortunately, through my online community, Destination Motherhood, I have done this and created a free Postpartum Plan workbook for families to use as a guide.

4.Tell us a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
Honestly, I would be somewhere in the age range of a retiree. Some of my most cherished memories were made with my grandmothers growing up. We would bake cookies, go thrifting at yard sales, and playing bingo together on Sunday nights was a treat. I still enjoy Jeopardy and card games too because of them. I am an old soul and appreciate the gift of aging because of the blessing it truly is.

5.If you had no fear, what would you try?
Pre-pandemic, Billy and I would have said going to a Pittsburgh sporting event or a country music concert, especially outdoors. During lockdown, we got creative and became quite the ice cream critics! After putting Will to bed, we enjoy taste testing ice cream flavors from different brands to find our favorite-- Jeni’s Atlantic Beach Pie is a must try! And our ice cream is usually paired with a classic movie from our bucket list!